WDFW Help

If a hunter wishes to exchange the tag for a different area or a different weapon type, these requests must be made prior to specific deadlines. For archery tag holders the request deadline is before September 1^st, muzzleloader tag holders the request deadline is before September 20^th, and modern firearm tag holders the request deadline is before October 10^th, as verified by the department. However, if a special hunt permit application was submitted by the tag holder and that application required a big game transport tag, then you would not be able to exchange tags after the special permit application submission deadline date. If the special permit application was for ghost hunts, regardless of the submission method, a tag exchange can be made until the request deadline designated for your weapon type.

Tag exchanges could also be allowed if the hunter has killed an animal that is unfit for human consumption and the department has authorized issuance of an exchange tag. For additional information on tag exchanges, please refer to WAC 220-55-040.